How to Fix Snipping Tool Issues on Windows 11
You may never know when you’ll need to take a screenshot of your screen to save that image or window for later use. If this is anything to go by, you need always to have your Windows Snipping Tool working optimally.
However, since Windows 11, it’s always one problem or the other when you try using the Snipping Tool. And frankly speaking, you’d be surprised how many Windows 11 users are in this same boat.
Here, we highlight quick fixes for the Snipping Tool on Windows and how to use its official alternative. Read on below to find out!
Repair/Reset the Snipping Tool
If a bug has found its way to the system files of the Snipping Tool, then it’s only normal for it to misbehave or not launch at all. Oftentimes, this happens after a Windows update, but you can try fixing it with Snipping Tool’s in-house repairer. Use the steps below:
- Press the Windows key to open Start Menu
- Type Snipping Tool in the search box and then right-click on the app in the result
- Select App Settings from the options
- In the next window, navigate to the right pane and click Repair under the Reset section
- The repairer would run for a few seconds. But if it doesn’t fix the issue still. Use the Reset button right under it.
Look into Your Focus Assist
If you’re unaware of this, you’d be surprised to find it in Windows Settings. Focus Assist helps you filter notifications based on priority, allowing you to concentrate on work or study.
However, this system app can go through the roof by disrupting crucial programs that rely on toast notifications to work.
You can stop Focus Assist from blocking Snipping Tool by following the steps below:
- Press Windows key + R to launch Windows Settings
- Navigate to and click System on the left pane and then Focus Assist
- Next, under the Focus Assist section on the right pane, select Priority Only and then click Customize Priority List
- In the next tab, click Add an App icon and then include Snipping Tool in the list of priorities
Once done, try opening the Snipping Tool again with Windows key + Shift + S.
Perform a Clean Boot
Another reason for the Snipping Tool not working on Windows 11 could be from the inference of other apps, especially third-party apps and antivirus software. A clean boot could help fix this issue and get the Snipping Tool working again.
To perform a clean boot,
- Press Windows key + R to launch the Command box
- Type msconfig in the provided search box and click OK
- The command line will take you to a System Configurations console. Click on the Services tab therein
- Next, tick-mark Hide All Microsoft Services and then click the Disable All button at the bottom
- Next, go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager
- One after the other, right-click on all third-party apps here and Disable
- Once done, click OK to save all changes.
Once done with the steps above, reboot Windows and relaunch Snipping Tool to see if the problem persists.
Use an Alternate Tool
With some versions of Windows 11 come the new Snip & Sketch Tool. This is an improved version of the conventional Snipping Tool, and some Windows users may have to download it from the Windows store to be able to use it on their devices.
To get Snip & Sketch Tool,
- Open the Microsoft Store from your Taskbar or Start Menu
- In the Store window, type Snip & Sketch in the search box
- Next, click on the Get button to prompt installation of the app on your device.
- Once the installation is completed, open the app to start using it for taking screenshots on Windows 11
Disable Automatic Time in Settings
In the search for a lasting solution to the issues with the Snipping Tool on Windows 11, some users discovered that the app would work just fine on devices that have Automatic Time disabled. This suggests that the issue could result from expired certificates in the Windows backend.
While this notion would easily pass as unfounded, it’s worth considering nonetheless. Follow the steps below to disable automatic time:
- Press Windows key + I to launch Windows Settings
- Navigate to and click Time & Language and then Date & Time
- Use the toggle bar under Set Time Automatically to disable automatic time
- Next, click the Change button and manually set the time to any time before Q4 2021
Consult Regedit Command Line
Regedit is a command line that you can launch via the Run box. It opens up the Registry Editor, wherein you can tweak Windows Software Restriction Policy. You may ask how this affects the Snipping Tool. Well, it turns out that the SRP blocks some users from launching the Sniping Tool.
If you’re still unable to use the Snipping Tool on Windows 11, you might want to consider this more advanced fix. Follow the steps below to employ it:
- Press Windows key + R to launch Run Command
- Type Regedit in the provided search box and then click OK
- A user account window may pop up asking you to grant permission to modify your device. Click Yes to open the Registry Editor window
- In this window, scroll down the list till you find HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
- Navigate through the path SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft
- You should see a TabletPC under Microsoft. If you don’t, right-click on Microsoft, select, New > Key, and the name key TabletPC
- Now, right-click on the newly created key TabletPC, then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
- In the mini window, rename value name to DisableSnippingTool
- In addition, ensure the Base is set to Hexadecimal and the Value Data to 0, then click OK
What all these steps do is force-close the Snipping Tool and enable it to spring back to life. Open the Snipping Tool again to see if it works this time.
Final Notes
There are so many methods you can employ to fix the issues with Snipping Tool on Windows 11. I do hope one of them works for you. If you have any questions, use the comments section below for further assistance.
